Bihar's Political Battle Echoes in Kolkata's Migrant Community
As Bihar prepares for the crucial election results announcement on Tuesday, the state's migrant population living in Kolkata finds itself at a political crossroads. While political loyalties remain divided between the ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc, there's unanimous agreement on one critical issue: the urgent need for comprehensive development in their home state.
Generational Divide: Youth Aspirations vs Experienced Realities
The election has exposed a clear generational split among Bihari families. Paresh Kumar, a 50-year-old security guard originally from Gopalganj, observes this shift firsthand. His grandson, voting for the first time, has been captivated by the INDIA bloc's campaign that emphasizes youth employment opportunities.
"My grandson believes his generation deserves jobs and respect within Bihar itself," Thakur explained while standing outside his workplace, a Kolkata office building where he works night shifts. "He insists they shouldn't have to migrate for livelihoods. While I've witnessed significant improvements under Nitish Kumar's leadership - better roads, schools and the liquor ban - the younger generation demands more. They feel the INDIA alliance discusses future possibilities rather than just current welfare schemes."
Women's Perspectives: Welfare Benefits vs Social Stability
Women from the migrant community express mixed reactions to the political alternatives. Many acknowledge the tangible benefits received through the NDA government's welfare programs, particularly direct cash transfers that have made a measurable difference in their daily lives.
Rekha Devi, a domestic worker hailing from Nalanda, shared her experience: "Just before elections, I received ₹1,000 directly in my bank account. This immediate financial support helped cover essential expenses like rations and school fees. For the first time, I feel the government recognizes and remembers impoverished women like us. This connection makes me want the NDA to continue their work."
The controversial liquor ban implementation remains a significant discussion point within migrant households. Most women support the prohibition because it has brought domestic peace to their families. "Before the ban, my husband would drink and create scenes every evening when he returned home," Rekha added. "Now, our household environment has become much calmer." However, she acknowledges implementation challenges, noting that "while the concept is good, execution faces problems - alcohol still circulates through secret channels."
Economic Aspirations: Dignity Over Dependence
Other community members like Bablu Kumar Shaw, a tea seller from Bihar, see potential in the INDIA bloc's focus on industrial growth. "If they can genuinely bring sustainable employment opportunities to Bihar, they'll have my support," Shaw stated. "We don't want to rely permanently on government handouts. What we truly desire is the opportunity to earn with dignity within our own state rather than seeking livelihoods elsewhere."
Political preferences among Kolkata's Bihari workers stem largely from personal experiences. Older migrants remember the stability and social welfare initiatives under NDA governance, while younger voices resonate with the INDIA alliance's emphasis on job creation, industrial development and governmental accountability. Despite these differing perspectives, both groups concur on one fundamental point: Bihar cannot afford developmental stagnation any longer.
The divided political opinions reflect broader societal conversations happening across Bihar, with Kolkata's migrant community serving as a microcosm of the state's evolving political landscape. As election results approach, these families watch closely, hoping their chosen path leads to the prosperous Bihar they envision.
